News Summary
Matthew Cunningham, a choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested for sex trafficking involving an underage student. Following a thorough investigation by Massachusetts State Police, Cunningham faces serious charges for alleged sexual conduct and trafficking. He was placed on administrative leave after being taken into custody, and concerns have mounted within the school community. With a bail set at $25,000, his case continues to unfold as authorities examine evidence related to the allegations.
Brockton – Matthew Cunningham, a 35-year-old choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested on sex trafficking charges involving an underage student. Cunningham was taken into custody on Tuesday morning at his home following a thorough investigation carried out by Massachusetts State Police and Brockton police.
Cunningham faces two serious charges: sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. The investigation, which lasted for several months, began when app administrators flagged a concerning transaction involving an adult and a minor to the FBI. This alert prompted a prompt response from local law enforcement.
According to the allegations, Cunningham met an underage male on April 27, during which he is accused of performing a sexual act and subsequently compensating the minor via a mobile app. In the aftermath of his arrest, Cunningham was placed on paid administrative leave from his position at Brockton Public Schools as a precautionary measure.
A spokesperson for Brockton Schools expressed that the institution’s top priority is the safety and well-being of its students. Resources are being allocated to provide support to the school community in light of these serious allegations.
Appearing in court on August 19, 2025, Cunningham pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He was ordered to be held on $25,000 bail under several conditions including a prohibition from approaching the victim, visiting Brockton High School, using social media, and he must surrender his passport. Additionally, he is required to remain within the state of Massachusetts. Prosecutors had initially requested a higher bail amount of $50,000 due to the severity of the allegations.
As part of the ongoing investigation, a forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone is expected to be conducted, which may reveal further evidence pertinent to the case. Cunningham’s next court appearance is set for September 18, 2025, where further legal proceedings will take place.
Cunningham has been a longstanding figure in the local education system, having served as the choral director at Brockton High School since 2013. He is also known for holding the position of president-elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Before his current role, he worked as an elementary music teacher in Holbrook Public Schools. His connections to the local community are deep-rooted, as he graduated from Brockton High School in 2008 and holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Providence College, as well as a master’s degree from Florida State University.
The serious nature of these charges has raised significant concerns among students, parents, and faculty at Brockton High School. As the investigation continues, members of the school community await further developments and clarity surrounding Cunningham’s case.
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Sex Trafficking
- WCVB
- Google Search: Sex Trafficking in Education
- Enterprise News
- Google Scholar: Educational Institution Responsibility in Student Safety
- WHDH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Misconduct
- Boston Globe
- Google News: Brockton High School Scandal
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